PALM workers protest inaction following Linx withdrawal

Bundaberg PALM workers have taken to the streets in protest against the govt inaction that has left them shackled to Linx Employment seven weeks after the company was kicked out of the scheme over its treatment of migrant workers.

A group of Pacific Island seasonal workers protested have taken to the streets in Bundaberg to protest the lack of progress in improving their work conditions since the withdrawal of Linx Employment from the PALM Scheme.

Around 30 Linx-contracted PALM workers, mostly from Vanuatu, assembled at the Bundy Down Under hostel in Bundaberg Central on Friday, September 8, seven weeks after the announcement of the withdrawal of Linx from the scheme.

A group of around 30 Linx-contracted PALM workers assembled at the Bundy Down Under hostel in Bundaberg Central on Friday, September 8 to protest official inaction following the Linx withdrawal.

The protest was organised by prominent Bundaberg advocate for Pacific Island workers Geoffrey Smith.

Mr Smith led the workers through the streets of Bundaberg, stopping at the Australian Workers Union offices, Bundaberg Regional Council Chambers and the offices of Hinkler LNP MP Keith Pitt while chanting “you’ve turned your backs on us”.

One worker who joined the protest, Dylan Tuara from the Vanuatu island of Espiritu Santo, said while representatives from the PALM Scheme and Department of Employment and Workplace Relations had met with Linx workers three times since the announcement of the company’s withdrawal from the scheme, no progress has been made in contracting them to alternative employment providers or reimbursing them for excessive deductions taken from their pay by Linx.

PALM worker Dylan Tuara said DEWR officials had encouraged workers to return home to Vanuatu by the end of September despite still having valid visas.

Mr Tuara said government officials had encouraged the workers to return home to Vanuatu by the end of September despite still having valid visas and having received less than the nine months’ work to which they are contracted under the scheme.

“They spoke to us about getting us another employer, but they said ‘your visa is going to expire soon so you have to go home’,” Mr Tuara said.

“The thing is, most of us have only been working for two to three months.

“It’s not fair how they’re treating us, we really want to stay and work here but how they’re treating us is not fair.”

Mr Tuara also claimed that workers were still receiving less than expected pay due to deductions being withdrawn by Linx Employment including for transportation despite using their own vehicles, but said DEWR staff told the PALM workers they were not directly responsible for ensuring workers were fairly compensated.

The workers pointed their fingers at the offices of the AWU, Bundaberg Regional Council and Hinkler MP Keith Pitt while chanting “you’ve turned your backs on us”.

A DEWR spokesperson said department officials last met with Linx PALM workers in Bundaberg on August 23, with more meetings planned soon.

The spokesperson ruled out the possibility of extending the PALM visas, saying workers should comply with their visa conditions, and said claims of excessive deductions had been referred to the Fair Work Ombudsman which had the power to direct employers to compensate workers and levy additional penalties.

“PALM is a circular labour mobility program, and an important aspect is that workers return home to their communities before applying again,” the spokesperson said.

“PALM workers whose individual visas are about to expire are being encouraged to comply with their visa conditions, which may include repatriation.

“DEWR continues to work closely with Linx workers to ensure they can be redeployed where possible.

“DEWR takes all allegations of worker exploitation seriously and has referred specific allegations relating to Linx to the Fair Work Ombudsman.

“Above all, DEWR is actively working to secure the best outcome for Linx workers based on their individual circumstances.”

AWU National Secretary Paul Farrow confirmed the union has been in recent contact with senior DEWR officials on a range of matters including non-payment of wages, not providing pay slips, excessive and unnecessary deductions and forced repatriation of workers with valid visas.

AWU National Secretary Paul Farrow said he “completely shares the frustrations” of PALM workers, and confirmed the union has been in recent contact with senior DEWR officials on a range of matters including non-payment of wages, not providing pay slips, excessive and unnecessary deductions and forced repatriation of workers with valid visas.

“The AWU has been in constant contact with DEWR about the ongoing exploitation of vulnerable PALM workers in Bundaberg,” Mr Farrow said.

“We have specifically raised concerns about excessive and unlawful deductions, late payment of wages, bullying and intimidation of workers.

“The AWU is also working closely with the Fair Work Ombudsman on this matter as well as community leaders in Bundaberg.

“We have expressed our frustration to DEWR that it has allowed Linx to continue to operate for months after the department determined they were not a fit employer.”

Hinkler MP Keith Pitt said his office had contacted Tony Burke to raise concerns voiced by PALM workers but he has not received a response.

Mr Pitt said his office raised concerns voiced by PALM workers directly with Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke in June, but he has not received a response.

“PALM scheme workers or working holidays makers should receive the same protections and workplace rights that Australian workers receive,” Mr Pitt said.

“Anyone not doing the right thing needs to be reported to the appropriate authorities.”

A request for comment from Bundaberg Regional Council was not responded to by deadline.